Banks of the Wabash Brochure

November 7, 2007 Meeting Minutes

Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail Chapter
November 7, 2007
Honeywell Center – Wabash, Indiana
Hosted by: Charlie Creek Foundation

1. Opening Remarks
Attending were: Donn Werling, Bob Schmidt, Carolyn Schmidt, John Gettinger, Brian Stirm, Ron James, Dan McCain, Rory Robinson, Ann Ridenour, Mike Beauchamp, Beth Stein, Heather Allen and Tom Castaldi.

Meeting was opened with Tom Castaldi thanking Beth Stein of Charlie Creek Foundation for their support along with her assistance scheduling our meeting, and for Lisa Iversen who maintains our blog site. Stanton Lambert had scheduled his Central Wabash River Corridor Region meeting prior to the Towpath Trail meeting. Many of the Central Wabash group also attends this meeting, and we welcome other groups to consider the same in future months.
The agenda followed a theme of: Membership, Markers and Manual.

2. Membership
It was agreed at the May 8th meeting by consensus that the group would be a chapter of the Banks of the Wabash, Inc. (BOW) with the ‘working’ name of “The Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail Chapter.” It was further agreed that the current moderator of the group, Tom Castaldi, advise the names on our email address list of our status and request everyone to apply and pay their BOW dues. Heather Allen, Wabash County Historical Museum Archivist and Associate Wabash County Historian, has agreed to lead a membership committee. The purpose is to increase our BOW membership to at least twenty-five members at which point our Trail Chapter will earn a seat on the BOW board. For every twenty-five memberships, another seat is earned. Heather expressed her intention to target those persons who will benefit from trails and requested that the BOW brochure be posted on the website.

Action plan: Ron James is providing a digitized copy of the brochure to be posted on the website. Tom Castaldi will obtain and send Heather a supply of brochure hard copies for responding to interested persons.

3. Markers
A discussion about the design and parameters of markers for roadways closest to the river and/or the canal include three types of signage:

1.) The “Canal Boat” silhouette 18” x 6” high banner used in the central Wabash area,


2.) The “Corridor Community” 24” x 24” “River Road” sign program and an 18” x 24” version with space at the top to accommodate the Canal Boat -18” x 6” banner, and

3.) The yet-to-be chosen sign being considered by the towpath group in Allen County.

Allen County Trails group made an inquiry about the use of the community entrance canal sign as used by the City of Delphi. Dan McCain and Dawn Ritchie, Manager of Fort Wayne’s Greenways, have been discussing an identifier such as the City of Delphi’s entrance sign.

Dan interceded with Delphi officials who expressed their concerns about loss of branding if the image were to be shared. Rory Robinson, of National Parks, read an email message from Dawn expressing her notion that the Delphi entrance marker should remain unique to that city and that Fort Wayne is interested in an on-trail sign. Both Bob and Carolyn Schmidt, Indiana Canal Society, serve on Dawn’s Towpath Trail advisory committee and offered helpful commentary.

Rory distributed an example of the lozenge shaped logo that depicts a horse towing a packet boat with the words “Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail” surrounding the image. It differs in some ways with the blue Canal Boat silhouette 18” x 6” banner used in Carroll County and proposed for use in Wabash County going forward. Rory agreed to cover the sentiments of the meeting’s discussion during his upcoming visit with Dawn. He recapped the fact that we are discussing markers for differing purposes:

1) a “River Road” marker measuring 18” x 24” will be made available to introduce the WRHCC Route. The River Road marker format provides for a space to identify an approaching “Water Trail,” “Heritage Trail” or a blue “Towpath Trail.” [Each trail will be identified with a separate color.] For this use, the meeting attendees agreed that on byways the 6’ x 18”, blue, Canal Boat, banner directional sign be used once county/community approvals are obtained.

2) a “Trail” marker away from a roadway on a towpath may have a slightly different appearance such as the Fort Wayne group has expressed an interest, however, the name “Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail” use should be encouraged and consistent.

Action plan: Ron is in the process of obtaining quotes and production of the “River Road” program. He is in the process of having to determine the number of the markers. The WRHCC Commissioners will make the final determination.
Rory to meet with Fort Wayne Trails group.

4. Manual
Wabash Erie Canal Towpath Trail Workbook Manual – Ron James
Rory Robinson addressed our May 8th meeting and recommended WRHCC produce a Workbook or Manual as a first step explaining the case for our mission to connect/mark a trail along the Wabash Erie Canal Towpath and Wabash River. Further that the entire Towpath Trail can be tracked and included in a manual to be used for shaping our idea and marketing it to others. Our group can play a significant role with local official contacts, historical data and locating the towpath as related to historical sites.

The Trail Manual will serve as leadership tool to lead our effort to include:

• An overview or analysis of the situation as we find it


• Typographical map segments of 4-6 miles (perhaps in 1 /2 to 3 miles in urban areas)


• Current and proposed trail heads and access points


• Ownership


• Current condition


• User facilities and status


• Prospective/current partners


• Existing trails


• Recommended actions by Towpath Trail Chapter and other partners


• Interpretive and scenic opportunities


• Design standards


• Development contact info and directory list


• Data entry and design


• History and etc.

Rory recommended a “questionnaire” form be developed with information that is necessary for each segment of the trail that will probably be included within chapters comprised of the various counties that make up the Towpath Trail. It will serve to tie the project together since it will involve many individual trials, where to place focus and where no support is available.

Action plan: Ron James will prepare a draft for a questionnaire. Tom Castaldi will prepare a draft of the Situation Analysis vision portion.

5. Meetings:
Mark your calendar for future Wabash Erie Canal Towpath Trail meetings. Unless otherwise announced they will take place:

• March 13, 2008 during the WRHCC meetings at a location to be determined.
• July 10, 2008, possibly in Fort Wayne;
• November 19, 2008, possibly in Delphi.

6. Meeting adjourned

CTIC Monitoring Workshop November 30

www.conservationinformation.org/?action=events_trainingworkshops_idemworkshops

CTIC and Tetra Tech are hosting a monitoring workshop in Greensburg (Decatur Co.) on November 30th. The workshop will be focusing on using monitoring data to support the planning process and meet checklist items.

Please forward the link to anyone you think might be interested. Thanks!

10/30 Northern Watershed Networking Session highlights funding...

Here's a link to the agenda for Tuesday's session at Salamonie. If you haven't signed up - NOW is the time.

http://www.iaswcd.org/pdfs/watersheds/networking/fall2007ntwrkng_agenda.pdf

See you there - or on the river,

Ron James, Executive Director
Wabash River Heritage Corridor Commission
765-427-1505

2008 Lake and River Enhancement Program Grant Applications

Each year grant funds are made available through the IDNR Lake and River Enhancement program. One half of the money is used for the same types of traditional projects that have been funded since the inception of the original LARE program. The other half of the money is used to pay for projects to address sediment and exotic or invasive plants or animals in public lakes.

LARE grants can only be awarded for activities involving public lakes, and to organizations having the resources and ability to properly administer the funds. This would include formally established lake associations, conservancy districts, local units of government, or other similar entities. Participation in the program requires the submittal of an application form for each program element, copies of which are available electronically on our web site at http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/lare/manual.html
If you desire, paper copies of the application forms can be mailed to you.

Traditional LARE Project Grants Grants are available on a competitive basis for several actions that can address the ecology and management of public lakes and their watersheds.

Depending on your particular lake's needs, you may want to consider applying for funds for any of the following: 1) a preliminary lake study, 2) a comprehensive lake diagnostic study, 3) an engineering feasibility study of possible pollutant control measures, 4) a design study for a specific pollutant control measure, 5) construction of a particular pollutant control measure, 6) a management plan for the lake, or 7) a performance appraisal of a constructed pollutant control measure.

The deadline for submittal of applications for these types of projects is January 31, 2008. Grants for approved projects will be awarded in July 2008. Sediment Removal Plan Development or Sediment Removal Grants Following several forums during which public guidance was solicited, policies were developed regarding the manner in which a portion of the LARE funds can be used for sediment removal or exotic species control.

A copy of those policies is available on our web site or through postal mail. A specific application form is available for lake organizations interested in applying for funds to be used to contract for the production of a sediment removal plan or, if such a plan has already been prepared, for funds to be used for a sediment removal project. Having a sediment removal plan is a prerequisite to acquiring grant funds for actual sediment removal projects. The deadline for submittal of the applications is December 31, 2007.

Decisions regarding those grants will be made in March 2008. Exotic Plant Control Grants An application form is available for funds to be used to contract for the production of aquatic plant management plans. Having an aquatic plant management plan is a prerequisite to acquisition of grant funds for actual aquatic plant control.

For organizations that already have (or will have) an approved plan in place, the same application form can be used to apply for actual aquatic plant control, based on the plan's recommendations. The deadline for submittal of exotic plant-related applications is January 15, 2008.

Decisions regarding those grants will be made in March 2008. It is our desire to make the LARE program as accessible and simple as possible, so please do not hesitate to communicate freely with us if you have questions or comments.
We can be contacted at 317/233-3871 or by e-mail at jray@dnr.IN.gov

Jim Ray, Chief
Lake & River Enhancement Section
IDNR Division of Fish and Wildlife
Room W273402 W. Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204317/233-3871

Meeting November 7th at 1:30pm at Honeywell Center

Plan to motor over to the next Wabash Erie Canal Towpath Trail Group Meeting!


Hosted by Charley Creek Foundation.
Your support and involvement will see us achieve success!

Agenda Items include:

Markers: update on the progress of markers/signs. - Ron James.

Wabash Erie Canal Towpath Trail Workbook. At our last meeting, Rory Robinson of National Parks challenged The Wabash River Heritage Corridor to begin preparing a Workbook as a beginning step for encouraging connecting/marking the route (between already established trails) along the Corridor.

The entire Towpath Trail can be tracked and included in the manual to be used for shaping our idea and marketing it to others. We can be helpful with the historic data and locating the canal and related historic sites. Here are some of the sections headlines found in the sample workbook:

• Topographic Map segments of six miles or less in rural areas; three miles or less in urban spaces.


• Current and proposed access points.


• Ownership.


• Current condition.


• User facilities and status.


• Prospective/current partners.


• Existing Trail.


• Recommended actions by WEC Towpath Trail Chapter.


• Recommended action by partners.


• Interpretive and scenic opportunity site identification standards.


• Design standards (urban vs. rural).


• Development contact information/directory list.


• Data entry and design.


• Printing/support and advertising.


• Ongoing maintenance and ranger volunteer contact lists.

etc. what can we do to assist the WRHC?

Membership:
Discussion - increasing our numbers is basic to our on-going success as we seek to move citizen onlookers to interested participants.

Tidbits You should Know for your Trail work

Fact: Although funding for walking and biking comprises 1 to 2 percent of the federal transportation budget, at least 9.5 percent of all trips involve these active transportation modes. National Household Travel Survey, 2001, as quoted by the Federal Highway Administration.

www.tfhrc.gov/safety/pedbike/pubs/05085/chapt2.html.

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy activetransportation@railstotrails.org ... information pertinent to the 2010 Campaign for Active Transportation on their Web site.

http://railtrails.org/whatwedo/events/traillink2007/conferencewrapup.html (click to the briefs about halfway down on the left)

Slideshow presentations from the conference "Making the Case" sessions and "Making the Case" issue briefs pertaining to each of the five "Making the Case" tracks (Mobility, Family and Community, Public Health, Economy and Climate) as distributed at TrailLink 2007.An important element of research and information gathering for these briefs is feedback from you.Whether national or local in scope, They are looking for studies that can aid in communicating the strengthsof trails and active transportation in a research-dominated transportation field. Please share such research.

Such studies are vital for walking and biking to be taken seriously in a national transportation debate framed by hard automobile research. Please contact Kartik Srinivas, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's Policy Outreach Manager, at kartik@railstotrails.org.

An individual you can have give you a hand, whose territory includes Indiana, is:Rory Robinson, Outdoor Recreation Planner2179 Everett Road, Peninsula, OH 44264(330) 657-2951, 2955 FAXrory_robinson@nps.govwww.nps.gov/rtca

Paddle Fest Deadline Today!!!

Whoa! Time creeps by so QUICKLY! Today, 8/16, registration, with a
complimentary T-shirt, ENDS at 4:30.  We can still see you in New Harmony
on Saturday BUT you're on your own for the 'must have' accessory of the
Wabash River season.

Call: 800-467-8600 or 812-464-1989, but wait till  I get off the phone -
I don't want to get a busy signal...  Meanwhile,  see you tomorrow at the
State Fair (just east of the Home & Family  Arts Building) for VISIT INDIANA
(the River State!) DAY.

Ron James, Executive Director
Wabash River Heritage Corridor Commission
102 North  Third Street, Suite 302
Lafayette IN 47901
765-427-1505

Wabash River Art Collection Sale

RIVER ODYSSEY: TWO ARTISTS FOLLOW THE WABASH - has
reached the river mouth! Buy it NOW before it
disperses into the waters of the world.

Special Preview & Award Ceremony - August 23, 6:30-8pm

David Dale and Jim Faulkner will be presented with
a "River Reward" From "Banks of the Wabash"
presented by Ron James, Executive Director of the
Wabash River Heritage Corridor Commission at 7pm

(RSVP required for this event, call 317-844-7253)

Public Preview - Friday, August 24, 1-8pm

View the collection of ninety paintings to be sold
the following day at Public Auction! The artists
will be present from 1-6pm

Auction of River Odyssey Collection
Saturday, August 25, 1pm

We are honored to represent artists David Dale
and Jim Faulkner as they complete their "River
Odyssey" journey by offering their amazing
collection at public auction. Representative
paintings from this important collection have
been exhibited at the Indiana State Museum,
the New Harmony Hoosier Salon Fine Arts Gallery,
the Knox County Public Library, Logansport Art
Association, the West Lafayette Public Library,
Wabash County Historical Museum, Richmond Art
Museum, and the Minnetrista Cultural Center.
Now, they are available for purchase at this
noteworthy auction event.

12232 Hancock Street, Carmel, IN 46032
[Take W. Carmel Drive east off US 31, cross
Pennsylvania and Old Meridian St, to Hancock,
which runs south between W. Carmel Dr. and
W. 122nd St.]  There will be signs posted &
visible by the time you reach the Old Meridian
and W. Carmel drive intersection.

317-844-7253

Preview the entire collection at:
www.wickliffauctioneers.com
Members IAA, NAA, CAI

Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail Plan

Backgrounder

A Wabash & Erie Canal Corridor following the nineteenth century towpath that became the second longest canal in the world and hailed as an engineering wonder of its day, has strong name-value and historical appeal. By enhancing recreational and economic opportunities through a corridor, we interlace and celebrate its legacy shared by the communities that benefited from its infusion of people and prosperity.

1. There are many Trails being developed in the Midwest, and the interest in it is high with many people hoping to:

a. keep in shape physically and search for a different venue other than the local gym;

b. love the out-of-doors;

c. conserve of the environment;

d. learn more about the history that took place where they live;

e. encourage the attitude, spirit and willingness of people to engage together for the benefit of their shared community.

2. A Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, in addition to offering health and recreation, will celebrate local history. Just as important, these byways offer economic development opportunities; tourist who seek restaurants, lodging, or tours; as well as business attractions to managers looking for quality of life benefits when locating or expanding their operations.
3. Now is the time to begin working together to leave a great legacy to generations that will follow us.

4. We sit on a gold mine of history that was the Wabash & Erie Canal route and provides many colorful stories during a time it made enormous contributions to the development of Indiana – and the western U.S. It should not be ignored left to a continual blind development overrun and destroyed from memory.

5. We fully respect the diverse character of the land traversed by the current Towpath, and we intend to work with property owners to establish a trail alignment that best suits all parties.

6. It is encouraging to observe the many counties on or contiguous to the old Wabash & Erie Canal route that have produced or are planning a bike/hike/drive byway…

a. Ohio is making progress from Toledo to meet with Fort Wayne along a continuous Maumee River Valley byway…

b. Trail work has been completed in Allen County with Fort Wayne’s initial mile in place and continuing construction planned for 2008-09.

b. Individual trail work that has been completed in so many counties already…Salamonie, Mississinewa, Little Turtle etc.

Has its time arrived?

a. To encourage the idea of a trail that would link each county with a marked route that celebrates why in fact we are connected together; what that link means to the enhancement of our towns; and how we each can work together to study if this idea should become a reality?

b. For a route that hikers/joggers can enjoy, that bikers can challenge over long distances, that in a car could approximate the old canal route over its 468 mile length…not to mention the other national trails it may intersect [North Country National Scenic Tail, Potawatomi Trail of Death or the several Indiana Trials proposals] offering new directions to any one who would take the challenge.

Indiana counties between Allen and Tippecanoe are discussing the project and all of those communities that extend to Evansville and to Toledo are invited to join.

Situation Analysis

In November 2006 a group of twenty persons representing communities from Lafayette to Lake Erie met to discuss the likelihood of a Wabash & Erie Canal Corridor to encompass hike/bike/drive byway.

At the November 2006 meeting, a consensus of those attending agreed that the time had arrived to recall the historic Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath’s positive legacy that brought prosperity to Indiana and points both east and west. Among these attributes are:

Building the path west for the earliest families; unleashing an agriculture breadbasket to the world; expanding markets for commercial enterprises; and tracking a pattern for our railroads and highways in use today.

Focusing on the corridor offers encouragement to communities - many of which the canal spawned - to connect their existing trails; assist in networking together to examine how they might be linked to enhance healthful recreation, encourage economic development interpret our rich canal transportation heritage.

Enhancing community pride within the cities, towns and between neighboring populations stemming from celebrating our common history and demonstrating to the nation how people of all backgrounds come together here at this time and place to achieve an improved quality of life.

At the March 21, 2007, meeting a resolution was passed authorizing the Forum to join the Banks of the Wabash.

Resolve That, the Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail Forum become a non-profit chapter member of the Banks of the Wabash, Inc., with the intentions of fostering the mission of establishing a recreational, economical developmental and historical pathway and for those other purposes that are to the mutual advantage of our organizations.

During the April 2007 meeting it was agreed by consensus that the group would be a chapter of the Banks of the Wabash, Inc. (BOW) with the ‘working’ name of “The Wabash Erie Canal Towpath Trail Chapter.”

Vision

Embrace interconnecting those already established county and community trails that revitalizes a transportation system virtually tracing the historic Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath for a bike/hike/drive route using trail logo markers, informational and directional signs, printed and/or digital information, for health, recreational, economic development and historical interpretation.

Things to do...

Don't forget MORE big river events this summer.

Riverfest July 7th

& Paddlefest August 18

Riverfest, July 7 in West Lafayette and Paddlefest, August 18 in New Harmony - - both featuring canoes & racing -- come to mind.
Indeed, voyaguer-style canoes with crews of 10 +/- will race short distances at W. Lafe, while in N Harmony, a trained crew from SW Indiana will race a similarly prepared team from SE Illinois the entire 9+ miles!

Next year: Points racing on the Wabash?

Have a great summer.

Ron James, Executive Director
Wabash River Heritage Corridor Commission
102 North Third Street, Suite 302
Lafayette IN 47901
765-427-1505

May 8 Meeting Recap: Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail Chapter

Honeywell Center – Wabash, Indiana

Hosted by: Charlie Creek Foundation

Opening Remarks
Meeting was opened with Tom Castaldi thanking Beth Stein of Charlie Creek Foundation for their support and for her help scheduling our meeting; for Lisa Iversen who maintains our blog site. Tom then reminded those present that all members of our Chapter consider sending their individual membership application and dues to Banks of the Wabash. For every 25 memberships, we earn a seat on the board to represent our Chapter.

Our interest is in connecting communities, who have established or have planned trails, with the Wabash Erie Canal Towpath Trail to provide extended recreation, economic development while focusing on the heritage of the longest canal in the western hemisphere. To assist planners in locating connection routes, a driving tour is real and has been posted on our web site/blog titled, Yes Ginny there is a Wabash & Erie Canal Trail - Motor Tour the Wabash Erie Canal Trail - Ready to Run Biking and Hiking Trails Could Follow. Currently, the posting describes a route that extends between Indiana-Ohio State line and Fountain County with plans to expand both southwestward and northeastward.

“Towpath Trail” signage format now use in the north central portion of the Wabash River valley, serves as a model of a directional marker ready for use. It features a canal boat branding image with the words “Towpath Trail” and might be put in place along roads in proximity to the historic canal route. As an added quality of life feature, these small markers can be functional in leading trail users to historic markers or extant structures along the route.

Our guest presenter for the May 8th meeting is Rory Robinson, Outdoor Recreation Planner, National Park Services Rivers & Trails Program for direction.

GENERAL DISCUSSION
A discussion about the size and appearance of markers and directional signs concluded with Ron James recording parameters for obtaining quotes. He is proceeding with a marker sign measuring 18” wide and 24” high with the colorful Wabash River Heritage Corridor image in the upper portion, and in the space across the bottom a blue canal logo, the text “Towpath Trail” and a directional arrow measuring 6” inches in height.

Rory Robinson opened his remarks complimenting the group saying it has a good idea with a lot of experience within the group. He said that citizen advocates and non profits seem to get positive action. We have to do take our “fun” to “work” and we must continue to bring others into the project to keep our good idea strong.

First of among his recommendations

1) Obtain a 501(c) 3 status. Rory felt that was already accomplished by our having become a chapter of the Banks of the Wabash, however, we must sell local governments buy putting forth the idea.

2) Create a Vision to show what the big idea is all about. It could be published and made available using a four page, 11” x 17” folder with graphs, visionary maps and a list of who is involved. It should be easy and inviting to read without getting into specific details. Highlight the benefits that come with Trails: economic development, health and recreational advantages. Our Vision brochure should stress how trails help to create a sense of place that discovers a community’s heritage. Trails are healthy –U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have found that obesity is an epidemic brought on by a lack of exercise and choice of diet.

3) Publish a Workbook. A “workbook” used by the Delaware and Licking Canal Trail - a part of the National Heritage Corridor – was passed among the attendees. As a workbook it became a tool for successfully addressing their project. It includes individual pages describing specific sections of the Trail with maps, accesses and an explanation of current situation. A statement of “operations and management” followed explaining who will do the work and what partnerships might be created to achieve success. Rory gave the document to Ron James saying that WRHHC could recommend the help of the commissioners to gather the data for such a workbook on a county by county basis.

4) Don’t wait for the State…get busy. Our Towpath Trail overlaps with Green Moves. Rory suggests we get basic information to Ray Irwin using his basic spread sheets. Endeavor to get portions of the Trail done on a local level. The Indiana Trails initiative is supposed to build it, but we can take on the challenge and begin building it and getting grants. There is no money for funding beyond that which is already out there. The State likes Green Moves measures to connect the State, but it must show benefits to local communities. Fortunately, people such as realty groups want these infrastructure improvements Greenways provide that they say their prospective clients seek.


ACTION PLAN
1) Develop a Vision Statement that can be placed on our website/blog as a PDF. Rory offered to help develop. Tom agreed to prepare a first draft for Rory’s revisions, comments and finalization.

SOME COMMENTARY:

Dan McCain: We’d like to link trails in the next 20 years. But to reach across the State may take a lifetime. Long term keep the Vision ideal but understand that it will take years. Short Term, get the Trail marked.
Mike Beauchamp: I’ve followed the Towpath and we have a long County Trail identified. I’d say we could have it marked by the summer of 2008.
Dan McCain: If you’ve identified a road that needs help, Ray Irwin will tell you that it could be high on the list. We’re ready for a date set, and want to identify the ones he has listed.
Mike Beauchamp: We did identify some routes but they are contradictive with the Indiana Trail plan. Some assets are important to the state but have no connection with the canal and have not yet been resolved.
Dan McCain: In western Indiana they have missed the canal altogether because no big towns are located over there.
Rory: The State is looking for different perspectives, and an opportunity to get it completed. You’ll see the Towpath built first if you continue to advocate for it. You’ll really get it built if you find a private funder. You’ll get it built faster and cheaper without regulation and delays. What you really must engage the local government and get the city engineer on your side because he’s the one who knows the lingo and how to get things done.
Donn: It takes political savvy person to help push this sort of idea through. One who speaks the legislative language because politicians are behind the people on this issue.
Rory: We do need a champion.

2) Tom will prepare a Vision Statement draft and forward it to Rory for his comments.

3) Ron will work with his WRHC Commission members using the Delaware and Licking Canal Trail work book as a model for our Towpath Trail


NEXT MEETING:
To be announced.

Next Canal Corridor Meeting May 8th, 1pm at Honeywell Center

We want you with us on May 8th.

Join us with Rory Robinson, Indiana Projects Manger, of the National Park Services' Rivers,Trails and Conservation Assistance, as we discuss the opportunities for a Wabash Erie Canal Towpath Trail during our Forum scheduled for May 8, 2007, at 1:00 p.m in the Wabash, Indiana, Honeywell Center.

We'll be discussing actions we should be considering to realize our vision of connecting existing community hike / bike / motoring pathways along the historic Wabash Erie Canal Towpath. Please plan to join us, show your support, and share your ideas.

April 12 Minutes of Wabash Erie Canal Towpath Trail Forum

Wabash Erie Canal Towpath Trail Forum Meeting Minutes

Towpath Trail Chapter, Banks of the Wabash, Inc.

Meeting April 12, 2007 , 10:00 a.m. , Delphi Canal Center , Carroll County , IN

Attending: Dan McCain, representing the Canal Interpretive Center , from Carroll County , mccain@carlnet.org

Bob Schmidt & Carolyn Schmidt, representing the Canal Society of Indiana, from Allen County , INDCANAL@aol.com Jim Hollar & Ann Hollar, representing the Forks of the Wabash, Inc. from Huntington County , jrhollar@sbcglobal.net & achollar@sbcglobal.net Stanton Lambert , representing the Wabash River Enhancement Corp., from Warren, Fountain, Tippecanoe & Carroll Counties, slambert@lafayette.IN.gov

Ron James, Exec. Director of the Wabash River Heritage Corridor Commission, representing the 19 county Wabash River corridor, Execdir@wrhcc.IN.gov Tom Castaldi was unable to attend due to illness but sent an agenda and some thoughts for discussion.

An opening statement was made by Dan McCain.

The need for continued pressure, from a unified corridor, concerning the Corridor Fund, trail placement, signage cooperation, etc., on the legislative and the executive branches, was noted.

A discussion was had upon the parameters of signage for marking the roadways closest to the river and/or the canal. Three types of signage [1)the canal boat silhouette used in the central Wabash area; 2) the ‘brand’ sign for the “River Road” program of the Corridor Commission; and 3) the as yet to be chosen sign under consideration by the towpath group in Allen County] were discussed as were their best uses. No decision as to uniform signage was made.

It was agreed by consensus that the group would be a chapter of the Banks of the Wabash, Inc. (BOW) with the ‘working’ name of “The Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail Chapter.” It was further agreed that the current moderator of the group, Tom Castaldi, who has an eddress list of all prior attendees, should be asked to send a directive to prospective members to the effect: “We are a chapter of…”, include the membership information for BOW, and request everyone to apply & pay their BOW dues. Ron James is to send the electronic BOW brochure to Tom Castaldi for this purpose.

An agreeable name should be on the agenda for the charette proposed for the next meeting. Dates suggested included May 8, at 1:00 p.m. at the Honeywell Center in Wabash, but a final decision was agreeably left to depend on attendance by Rory Robinson (NPS) to facilitate or, if his attendance cannot be arranged soon, at the call of Tom Castaldi.

Some issues of local concern were further discussed with no action by the group proposed.

Adjourned 11:45 a.m.

Meeting in Delphi -- April 12, 10am

Meeting Reminder:

Wabash Erie Canal Towpath Trail Forum meets on April 12, 2007, at 10:00 am at the Wabash & Erie Canal Interpretative Center in Delphi, Indiana.

Plan to be with us!
We will be discussing: keeping our legislators informed; a possibility for marking the towpath in your county; our membership opportunities as a new chapter of "Banks of the Wabash."

Directions to the Wabash & Erie Canal Center, Canal Park, Delphi Indiana:

1) Follow Indiana Highway 25 to the stop light (Washington Street) in Delphi at the courthouse;

2) Turn north on Washington Street and proceed eleven blocks. (The sign says 'South' Washington but you are going North. Beyond the second block it becomes 'North' from there on to the stone bridge.)

3) Cross the stone bridge and watch on your left for direction signs to enter into the Park.

4) Look for the building with the facade featuring 1840s Delphi downtown buildings' skyline.

Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail Forum Meeting Notes

March 21, 2007

Honeywell Center – Wabash, Indiana

Hosted by: Charlie Creek Foundation

OPENING REMARKS

Meeting was opened with Tom Castaldi reminding the 16 persons present that this fourth meeting of the group was being hosted by the Charlie Creek Foundation to explore the vision of connecting the existing community trails following the Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath. In fact, a driving tour can be followed – currently from the Indiana-Ohio state line to as far Attica – that tracks the towpath and for posting on this web site. Individual county members may find it useful in marking the route with the soon to be available Wabash River Heritage Corridor and specifically with “Towpath” directional signs similar to the ones already installed through Carroll County. Note: the driving tour soon will be extended beyond Fountain County to include additional counties.

GENERAL DISCUSSION

Because of the distances some people must drive to attend our Towpath Forum, it was recommended that the April meeting be held in the Delphi Wabash & Erie Canal Interpretative Center. Subsequent meetings may be planned for Wabash’s Honeywell Center and begin alternating between each of these locations.

Jim Ridenour recommended that the written recap of the February 1, 2007, meeting be sent our several legislative representatives. Over the past two weeks the message and direction to our blog site was sent to those legislator email addresses we have in our address book. However, it was noted that it is more important that each of our Towpath Forum members take the time to write a letter, phone or visit their representative with the following: 1) On February 1^st, Ray Irvin, Director INDOT’s Greenways & Bikeways gave our group an in-depth review of the Hoosiers On The Move Indiana State Trails, Greenways & Bikeways Plan. Our attendees had a lengthy dialog with Director Irvin describing to him the routes that ideally track the canal towpath. 2) We support Director Irvin’s efforts. 3) We would like to see the detailed plan before it is finalized with the opportunity to recommend adjustments that support our vision.

Ron James, who has been following the State’s budgeting process, reported that the Wabash River Heritage Corridor (WRHC) coffer has not been “funded” for projects that are vetted but not financed. It is important to let your representatives know that we are here and that we have an interest in seeing the Corridor’s efforts moved ahead.

John Gettinger from Sullivan County and the WRHC and Banks of the Wabash, Inc., complimented the Towpath Forum’s efforts stating that the Wabash is both a River Trail and a Walking Trail. He heartily supports the idea of the Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail because of the added value it delivers. He noted that part of the River Trail planning includes unique “Canoe Stations” positioned strategically along the river. After paddling for long lengths on the river it would be possible to “drop off” or “deposit” a canoe and hike the Towpath Trial before stopping at the next “Canoe Station” and “checking out” a new one. As far as we know, there is no where else in the nation that this is a possibility.

Geographically, our Wabash & Erie Towpath Trail serve the populations of Fort Wayne and Evansville and are the governing seats of the second and third largest counties in the state. The Wabash Corridor counties, which represent 20% of all Indiana counties has the second largest population after the nine-county area surrounding Indianapolis.

Mike Beauchamp: said that it is important that when each of us individually make contacts with our representatives we do so with a common message. Not a cookie cutter, form letter approach, but that our message is clear in its content.

Our Wabash Erie Canal Towpath Trail Mission is to network with already completed community and county trails by assisting in connecting them one with the other. [Expanding that notion, we are organized to promote a well-marked trail that approximates the Wabash Erie Canal route, extending from the Ohio-Indiana state line to Delphi on the north side of the Wabash River. From Delphi through Lafayette the desired trail connects with Terre Haute following the east side of the Wabash. Further a natural opportunity is represented that traces the canal to Evansville following the canal towpath. From Evansville it moves westward through Posey County to join the Wabash River and complete a loop by returning up the Wash to Terre Haute. It is intended to be for hikers, bikers who seek recreation, enjoy unique environment and take pride in history. Economic development will follow the trail users.]

After a lengthy discussion among the sixteen members present a motion was offered by Mike Galbraith to join the Banks of the Wabash as a chapter.

Resolve That, the Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail Forum become a non-profit chapter member of the Banks of the Wabash, Inc., with the intentions of fostering the mission of establishing a recreational, economical developmental and historical pathway and for those other purposes that are to the mutual advantage of our organizations.

Discussion: Banks of the Wabash’s mission states that it is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to preserving, enhancing, and promoting the significant historical and natural resources of the Wabash River Heritage Corridor. Further discussion included the opportunity for having a 501 (c )3 organization that eliminates the Towpath Forum from having to create its own non profit status; simplifies financial reporting, offers a facility to hold land easements that may come to us; have a communications (newsletter) component and awards program in place; works with a similar mission that may eliminate confusion among our common audiences; projects a united sameness of goals; take advantage of the reputation already established by Banks; and the fact that our project offers a walking trail that is useful to the State’s efforts in creating a more fulfilling and appealing Wabash River Corridor. On the risk side, it was noted that we may find ourselves lost within a bigger organization’s purposes and our specific mission loose the clout we may achieve by virtue of the large geographical area we represent.

A vote was unanimous to join Banks of the Wabash.

Mike Beauchamp donated the cost of a chapter membership.

Heather Allen recommended that the voted upon resolution be discussed at the next meeting in Delphi to test full acceptance of those members who were not able to be in attendance.

CONCLUDING REMARKS

For each 25 individual Towpath Forum members who join the Banks of the Wabash at least the minimum $15.00 level, qualifies one representative to sit on the Banks of the Wabash board of directors. For your membership card, regular updates on activities, newsletter annual membership, send a $15.00 check made payable to Banks of the Wabash, Inc. and mail to Banks of the Wabash, Inc P.O. Box 1253, Lafayette, Indiana 47902

ACTION PLAN

1. Contact your Indiana State Legislators and let them know that we support Ray Irvin’s Indiana Trails Plan and that we would like to opportunity to see the final draft before it’s approved.

2. Mail your $15.00 individual membership to Banks of the Wabash.

Next meeting: April 12, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. in the Wabash & Erie Canal Center, Canal Park, Delphi, Indiana. Directions: follow Indiana Highway 25 to the stop light in Delphi. Turn north on Washington Street and proceed six blocks; cross the stone bridge; watch for signs and turn west into the Park. Look for the building with the façade that features 1840s Delphi downtown buildings’ skyline.

Meeting adjourned.

Next W-E Canal Trail Meeting: 2pm March 21st at Honeywell Center

The next Wabash Erie Canal Trail Meeting
will be on March 21, 2007 at 2:00pm at the Honeywell Center.

Mark your calendar now. We will be discussing the follow-up to Ray Irvin's fine presentation as well as continue to investigate becoming a chapter of a "Banks of the Wabash" type of organization.

See you there!

Notes: W&E Canal Towpath Trail Forum 02/01/2007

Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail Forum

February 1, 2007

Honeywell Center – Wabash, Indiana

Hosted by: Charlie Creek Foundation

Joining the Discussion:

Ray Irvin, Indiana’s Greenways & Bikeways Director

OPENING REMARKS

Meeting was opened with Tom Castaldi’s introduction of Ray Irvin INDOT Director of Greenways & Bikeways. Members present as well several who were unable to attend the meeting had prepared individual county maps showing existing and planned trail-ways that follow the historic Wabash Erie Canal corridor. Unique among this map work, that participants organized in the last ten days and in time for today’s meeting, is demonstrated how each county/community trail could connect to form the Canal Corridor. With these as an opening, Ray Irvin offered a look at the master map plans and began his presentation.

Ray reinforced the current popularity of trails comparing it with the challenges of developing the Monon Trail some twenty years ago. It is reflected also in Ray’s charge he received from Governor Daniels to: develop an Indiana Trail system that focuses on connectivity, infrastructure improvement and economic development. Today trails are a good idea for health, quality of life and economic reasons.

Ray must go through every road project the sate has planned, as well as analyze government grants that were made seeking those never utilized by the recipient. Other issues have been dealing with attempts to place bike trails along Interstates highways, which he has opposed and has proven to be a bad idea in other parts of the county.

Within the footprint of a public roadway, an additional sixteen feet of additional land can cause the project to extend considerably. Typical timeline issues he faces is: planning committees formed to learn what should be included; working up the design; going to the public for comment and finally getting the financing.

A unique opportunity in trail planning emerged with the idea of installing below-grade infrastructure such as internet wiring, and piping for sanitary, water and septic systems. Many Hoosiers continue to depend on septic systems and wells for a water source. Further, although our State has an abundance of water, it may not be where it’s needed for expanding populations or in times of drought. Conversely, pumping wastewater to a central treatment facility could help eliminate scattering water handling for existing homes and every newly developed community site as well. We must look at efficiencies for the future. Ray’s plan for over 2,000 miles of trail raises the question of, what can we locate under the trail’s paved surface to enhance our State’s infrastructure?

Abandoned railroad lines are a case that begs the question: Does a rail line once abandoned revert to the adjacent land owners? Historically railroads got the right-of-ways for economic development of communities. Today, we do not have the right-of-way luxury of putting the next pipe in the ground. So of the 3,000 or so abandoned rail lines – polluted with arsenic and creosote leakage – if a land owner’s great, great, great grand dad did not own the land prior to the railroad’s use, why should the line revert to the that adjacent owner? These are questions that need studied.

GENERAL DISCUSSION

Dan McCain commented about the Hoosier Heartland Highway route and its relationship to space that community members believed would better serve a bike-hike trail saying that it needs the opportunity to be verbalized back in the Indiana Trails’ office.

Ray Irvin: Plan calls for a set of guidelines. The project will not take away from the arts and culture of a given area. Also, directional signage, construction specifications and related concerns will be standardized for uniformity based on national standards and best practices for trails.

Mike Beauchamp: What do we have to do to get a line on your master map plan?

Ray Irvin: The first cut of our plan we looked at a road to parallel our route and we had to consider the width of the road. Next step is tweaking the existing plan with a meeting of community representatives and our consultants to confirm where to position the dots on the map. We have a lot to consider before plotting a bike lane and acquiring land which can be a long-term event. A good question is, how do we get local owners to be a part of continuing the corridor in say the next eighty years? Remember that we can’t afford the maintenance of a trail without local buy in.

Mike Beauchamp: What if we can find an alternate solution for the route locally?

Ray Irvin: That’s fine if it’s affordable and doable.

Kreig Adkins: In our county we’re not looking to walk the towpath because it’s directly under Highway 24. How do we deal with that kind of situation?

Ray Irvin: If there’s space available along the road way we can accommodate a bikeway, but U.S. 24 may not be the best route.

Louise Jewell asked about the Indiana Trail system through Warren and Fountain counties. Currently the trail from Terre Haute shifts from the Wabash River to the southeast on the “Farm Heritage Trail” and will miss a great expanse of a scenic road.

Ron James added that departing from the Wabash here misses 20% of the population, and by going southeast we’ll have to pay more for pumps because of the topography. Also, it was suggested that it uses more mileage by cutting across the Farmland Heritage.

Stan Lambert asked that if a plan were put together, is there a chance we could get the Wabash Erie route back on the master trail plan? The Director said that it could be looked at but priorities have been set.

Mike Beauchamp suggested that acquiring land may not take decades with income events, conservation easements, trusts that may cut the process to a few years.

Ray Irvin stressed that land acquisition is a first step. He suggested forming a 501(c)3 designation to start a land trust in perpetuity arrangement. A land owner is not likely to turn over land if there is no assurance that, for example, it will not be sold to a developer. Government can’t give that assurance, but a non profit can. He also spoke about the high cost of the project.

Mike Beauchamp: If we want to get the dots changed on the master plan, how do we do that?

Ray Irvin: The project will be advertised, planning organization conducted, and the consultant will identify all stake holders for their input at planned meetings. As of August 31, 2006, after we went throughout the State we created a vision. Existing trails can be altered…but not much. Viewing a copy of the Master Map it appeared that the proposed trail tracked along the north side of the Wabash River from approximately Carroll County through Wabash County. You are invited to visit my office and look over the master map.

In all there are 27 different trails in the Indiana Trails plan with a path width of twelve feet. It is estimated that the cost per mile, including land acquisition, construction, paving is $1.3 million. Additional features, such as bridges and culverts are extra.

In reply to a question from Mike Galbraith about the per mile cost, the Director replied that the best approach was to “stair-step” the project considering the concerns of land acquisition, planning, designing and developing the project in sections.

Ray Irvin’s concluding remarks: Here is what you can do: At the local level you have influence. Let the governor and your legislative representatives know that you know about the Indiana Trail plan. Let them know that you want to support it, want to see it succeed and that we’re here as volunteers to make this a better community.

CONCLUDING REMARKS

Our thanks go to Ray Irvin for his explanation and interactive discussion about the exciting plans for an Indiana Trails Bikeway and Greenway

Every one present expressed their gratitude to The Charlie Creek Foundation for providing excellent meeting accommodations.

Our forum’s Mission is emerging by networking with already completed community and county trails and assisting in connecting them one with the other. We are organized to promote a trail that approximates the Wabash Erie Canal route. From the Ohio Indiana state line to Delphi that suggests a trail on the north side of the Wabash River. From Delphi through Lafayette the desired trail connects with Terre Haute following the Wabash. Further a natural opportunity is represented that traces the canal to Evansville, then westward to join the Wabash River and complete a loop returning to Terre Haute.

ACTION PLAN

Bob Schmidt moved that a joint letter be prepared to be submitted from this group to State government officials.

Next meeting:

March 21, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. in the Honeywell Center, Wabash, Indiana.

Meeting adjourned.

HOLD THE DATE!
FEBRUARY 1, 2007
1:00 p.m.
Nixon Room - Honeywell Center

FYI: Jim Ridenour has secured Ray Irvin for our next meeting to discuss our interest to include the Wabash Erie Canal Corridor trail route to the Trails Greenways and Bikeway plans that are being finalized in Northern Indiana.

Ron James has worked with Ray and have set the date as February 1 at 1:00 pm in Wabash. We will be advising where we will be meeting as soon as a place is confirmed.

Please hold the date and time and plan to join us. Those of you who have agreed to provide county maps should set your completion timetable to be ready by the meeting date.

January 17 2007 Meeting Notes

January 17, 2007, Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail Meeting

Honeywell Center -- Wabash, Indiana

Hosted by: Charlie Creek Foundation

OPENING REMARKS

Tom Castaldi opened the meeting thanking Charlie Creek Foundation for arranging accommodations; the Allen County Fort Wayne Historical Society for photocopies; and to Lisa Iversen of the Wabash County Museum for blog site services. Postings to the site since the last meeting include: Ron Woodward's "Touring the Historic Upper Wabash" (1982) trail brochure, and a short text titled, "Wabash & Erie Canal: A History of Connecting People and Places"

A discussion of the meeting's agenda followed for: A Banks of the Wabash presentation, and a review of a "Vision" statement draft as the first step in developing a long term plan.

CONTRIBUTED COMMENTS

Persons participating included: Donn Werling, Ron James, Susan Ulrich, Dan McCain, Craig Leonard, Bob Schmidt, Carolyn Schmidt, Heather Allen, Ron Woodward, Mike Beauchamp, Kreig Adkins, Trula Frank, Beth Stein and Jim Ridenour. Time was allotted for comment about the Canal Corridor from those who could not attend the last meeting.

Jim Ridenour recalled that in the 1980s, as DNR Director, he suggested a trail along the Wabash to the Ohio River, but at the time it was not taken seriously. Now the atmosphere has changed and it is not impossible to envision a corridor extending from Lake Erie across Indiana to the Ohio River. Jim remembers the Tippecanoe County Railroad Improvement Project and the beginning of the Wabash River Heritage Corridor Commission have become realities. He also noted that projects such as the Monon Trail, which was opposed based on the argument that it would become a haven for trouble makers, has instead proved to be the opposite with property values doubled along the way. We're pretty sure that there will be no more national parks established, but the time is coming when financing for corridor projects is returning.

Kreig Adkins said that land west of Peru's Broadway has been developed as a popular River Walk on the Canal Towpath to Holman Street and the adjoining 40 acres may become available for expansion westward. Volunteers organized and built a "Fort Miami" park for kids in 2001, and it has become the "cool" play site and abandoning the old parks. As for extending the River Walk to the east, local officials have to deal with who pays for development and maintenance and must be careful about accepting such an idea.

Ensuing discussion mentioned the importance of acceptance by county commissioners and convincing them that the trails we want to build has art, interpretation, community participation and unexpected attractions such as the Fort Miami project

Craig Leonard has been working on an adjunct project to the Wabash Erie Corridor developing a trail along the Salamonie River that joins the Wabash at Lagro. He has met with his legislators seeking to create an organization to raise public consciousness about applying for grant money. Among other attractions this trail is located between the Wabash Erie Corridor and Salem and picks up the now-raised government treaty house sites of Francis Godfrey at Montpelier and Chief LaGro in Lagro. Other potential trail highlights are the deep wagon wheel ruts recently discovered in Wells County from first state roads, and in another section remains of circular earthen mounds have been found.

GENERAL DISCUSSION

Susan Ulrich treasurer of Banks of the Wabash stood in for President Bernie Dahl (occupied with his teaching responsibilities) explained the supporting advantages of the Canal Corridor organizing as a collection of communities and counties as a single chapter. Banks of Wabash is seeking to expand from its core middle Wabash River counties. It has been successful in obtaining monies for its chapter member projects. It offers a 501(c) tax exemption, provides treasury facilities as well as uses its prestige to help validate its member chapters. The committee will vote on accepting membership at a future meeting.

Ron James recalled his recent visit with the organizers of a Peru to Denver trail assisted by Ray Irving who is busy working on the last stages for determining trail routes through northern Indiana in time to celebrate the State's 200^th anniversary in 2016.

Dan McCain suggested that our group should see the current State plan and compare it to a route we could suggest that would connect the county and community trails along the Wabash & Erie Canal line.

Carolyn Schmidt asked who would prepare maps since they must know the existing trails and the canal route.

Discussion followed about how to introduce the idea the Wabash Erie Canal Corridor which is crowded with a "string of pearls" experiences appealing to Hoosiers. It was agreed upon to present for the State's project. Jim suggested a county-by-county map be traced to illustrate how and where the Wabash Erie Canal Corridor connects and could be incorporated into the State's trail plan.

Heather Allen recommended that representatives from each county prepare a map of their trail systems and how the connections might be made. Note: Some counties have prepared maps that are ready for use. If not, the Topographical 7.5 could be used for continuity among maps and has space enough to specify where and to handwrite in concepts such as view scapes, historical sites as well as suggest less trafficked routes along the Canal Corridor. During the meeting, county maps should have been prepared and ready for display. An announcement will be sent from to the member list.

ACTION PLAN

Jim Ridenour will make an invitation to Ray Irvin for a presentation and to share concepts.

Meeting adjourned.

Next meeting: February 1, 2007, 1:00 pm. Honeywell Center Nixon Room, Wabash, Indiana.